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STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
BEVERLY EAVES PERDUE
GOVERNOR
Mr. David Wainwright
Transportation Permitting Unit
NCDENR - Division of Water Quality
1650 Mail Service Center
Raleigh, NC 27699-1650
March 5, 2010
(Friday)
RE: Corridor Selection Process & Concurrence Meeting Minutes (2008-2009)
R-2514: US 17 - Belgrade to New Bern - Onslow & Jones Counties
Dear Mr. Wainwright:
19 V
?.w o 1?% D
EUGENE ONTI,
SECRETARY
We have been developing the US 17 Project and achieving regulatory compliance and decision-making
through the Section 404 / NEPA Interagency Merger Process. Again, I extend appreciation to the
Merger Process Team and the Merger Management Team for the countless hours in preparation for and
participation in field meetings, informational meetings, and concurrence meetings during the past several
years.
The corridor selection process has been especially complicated with the numerous human and natural
environment issues for the Pollocksville Bypass and the Maysville Bypass. The Merger Process Team
and the Merger Management Team held sixteen meetings regarding corridor selection during the period
from August 24, 2006 through April 16, 2009. For your reference, I have prepared a summary of the
meetings and related events on the attached document entitled, "Selection of the Preferred Alternative &
LEDPA (2004-2009)."
The Merger Process Team and the Merger Management Team conducted ten meetings between May
2008 and April 2009 related to the corridor selection process. The meetings and their preparation
occurred in rapid succession and, as a result, we were unable to distribute the meeting minutes in a
timely fashion. We apologize for our delay. The Merger Process Team reached concurrence on corridor
selection for the last section of the project during April 2009 with the selection of the Maysville Bypass.
It was then my intention to compile all of the meeting minutes related to corridor selection and make one
distribution. Since then, we have been receiving and responding to opposition from the public regarding
the selected corridor for the Maysville Bypass including two petitions totaling over 700 signatures,
numerous calls, e-mails, letters, and the comment sheets from the Maysville Bypass Public Hearing
conducted on December 1, 2009.
MAILING ADDRESS: TELEPHONE 919-733-3141 LOCATION:
NC DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION FAX: 919-733-9794 TRANSPORTATION BUILDING
PROJECT DEVELOPMENT & 1 SOUTH WILMINGTON STREET
ENVIRONMENTAL ANALYSIS BRANCH RALEIGH NC 27601
1548 MAIL SERVICE CENTER WEB3ITE:
RALEIGH NC 27699-1546 www.ncdot.org/doh/preconstrucUpe/
Corridor Selection Process & Concurrence Meeting Minutes (2008-2009)
R-2514: US 17- Belgrade to New Bern - Onslow & Jones Counties
March 5, 2010
Page 2 .4 ,
1 ' h
Since the,Public Hearing, Mr. David Wainwright, N.C. Division of Water Quality, and Mr. Tom
Steffens; U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, have requested copies of several sets of minutes from the
\'..
Merger Process Team Meetings related to corridor selection for the Maysville Bypass. Wilbur Smith
Associates and 1 have been finalizing several sets of the minutes and hereby present the following
minutes for your review and comment.
1. R-2514BCD: CP2 Revisited Concurrence Meeting for Belgrade to New Bern (May 22, 2008)
2. R-2514CD: CP2A Concurrence Meeting for Chadwick to New Bern (May 22, 2008)
3. R-2514CD: CP3 Concurrence Meeting for Chadwick to New Bern (June 19, 2008)
4. R-2514B: CP3 Revisited Concurrence Meeting for Maysville Bypass (June 19, 2008)
5. R-2514B: CP3 Revisited Concurrence Meeting for Maysville Bypass (October 16, 2008)
6. R-2514B: CP3 Revisited Field Meeting for Maysville Bypass (December 12, 2008)
7. R-2514B: CP3 Revisited Concurrence Meeting for Maysville Bypass (December 16, 2008)
8. R-2514B: CP3 Revisited Concurrence Meeting for Maysville Bypass (April' 16, 2009)
9. R-2514D: CP4A Concurrence Meeting for Pollocksville Bypass (April 16, 2009)
10. R-2514B: CP4A Concurrence Meeting for Maysville Bypass (September 17, 2009)
Acknowledgements
11
Please review these minutes and provide me with your corrections, additions, or approval. Should you
have comments or questions during your review or want to further discuss any of these issues, please
contact me at (919) 733-7844 x214 or msnierce ,nedot.gov. I appreciate your time and look forward to
your response.
Sincerely,
Mark Pierce, P.E.
Project Planning Engineer
cc w/ attachments to: Merger Process Team
NCDOT Project Team
Selection of the Preferred Alternative & LEDPA ( 2004 - 2009 )
R-2514: US 17 - Belgrade to New Bern - Onslow & Jones Counties
The following is a chronology of the corridor selection process beginning with the State Draft
Environmental Impact Statement, and regulatory compliance and decision-making through the
Section 404 / NEPA Interagency Merger Process.
State Draft Environmental Impact Statement
State Draft Environmental Impact Statement (August 2004) - The State Draft Environmental
Impact Statement was approved on August 31, 2004 and distributed to state and federal
environmental agencies and to the public on December 16, 2004. The approved document
evaluated the no-build alternative and 13 build alternative segments that generated 32 project-
wide combinations of the various build alternates.
Reaulatorv Compliance throuah the Section 404 / NEPA Interaaencv Meraer Process
The Section 404 / NEPA Interagency Merger Process Team and the Merger Management
Team held sixteen meetings regarding corridor selection for the Maysville and Pollocksville
Bypasses during the period from August 24, 2006 through April 16, 2009. Summaries of the
meetings and related events are provided, as follow.
Informational Meeting (8/24/2006) - The Merger Process Team held a successful informational
meeting on August 24, 2006 to review the overall project status and the Merger Process
status, and to establish the approach to evaluation of the corridor selection data. The team
agreed to split the project to facilitate the merger process. The "southern" portion of the
project was designated from Belgrade to Chadwick (R-2514B and part of R-2514C) including
the Maysville Bypass. The "northern" portion of the project was designated from Chadwick to
New Bern (R-2514D and part of R-2514C) including the Pollocksville Bypass.
CP2A Field Meeting (11/1/2006) - The Merger Process Team conducted a successful field
meeting on November 1, 2006 to document field observations and bridging recommendations
for the southern portion of the project from Belgrade to Chadwick including the Maysville
Bypass.
CP2A Concurrence Meeting (2/22/2007) - The Merger Process Team held a concurrence
meeting on February 22, 2007 to discuss bridging decisions based upon the November 1,
2006 field observations and recommendations for the southern portion of the project from
Belgrade to Chadwick. The team concurred on bridging decisions during the meeting on
February 22, 2007.
CP3 Concurrence Meeting (2/22/2007) - The Merger Process Team held a concurrence
meeting on February 22, 2007 to discuss corridor selection for the southern portion of the
project from Belgrade to Chadwick including the Maysville Bypass. NCDOT recommended
Alternate 2A for the Maysville Bypass because it bypassed Belgrade and Maysville, generated
the fewest number of relocations, received the highest level of public support, and would have
provided the highest level of access control, thus satisfying the Strategic Highway Corridor
Vision. NCDOT also recommended widening on the east side of existing US 17 from just
north of Maysville to just north of Chadwick for Alternate 3 to minimize relocations in
Chadwick. The team concurred on Alternate 3 and concurred on eliminating Alternates 2 and
2B from further consideration. However, the team was unable to concur on the Maysville
Bypass because the majority of the team supported Alternate 2C (widen through Belgrade and
a bypass of Maysville) rather than Alternate 2A, because Alternate 2C would impact fewer
wetland areas and would cost less than Alternate 2A. Therefore, the Dispute Resolution
(Elevation) Process was initiated during the meeting on February 22, 2007 to resolve corridor
selection for the Maysville Bypass.
CP2A Field Meeting (3/6/2007) - The Merger Process Team conducted a successful field
meeting on March 6, 2007 to document field observations and bridging recommendations for
the northern portion of the project from Chadwick to New Bern including the Pollocksville
Bypass.
Request for Redelineation of Jurisdictional Areas for Entire Project (3/7/2007) - USACE
observed wetlands and streams during the March 6, 2007 CP2A Northern Field Meeting that
were not shown on the environmental mapping for the August 2000 USACE Jurisdictional
Determination. USACE also questioned whether a particular pine stand should have been
considered a jurisdictional area, and observed apparent changes in land use and drainage
patterns, including the wetland fill violation at the Byrd Landfill. Therefore, USACE rendered a
decision on March 7, 2007 that the jurisdictional delineation for the entire project would need
to be reevaluated and reverified with USACE prior to any further discussions on corridor
selection.
CP2 Revisited Concurrence Meeting (4/12/2007) - The Merger Process Team held a
concurrence meeting on April 12, 2007 to discuss elimination of particular alternates for the
Pollocksville Bypass. NCDOT recommended elimination of Alternates 4A, 413, 4G, 4H, 41, and
41D from further consideration. The team was unable to concur and requested additional
information on why those alternates should be eliminated.
Jurisdictional Delineations & Neuse River Buffer Assessments (June 2007 - February 2008) -
Environmental Services, Inc. (ESI) conducted field delineations for USACE Jurisdictional
Areas and assessments for the Neuse River Riparian Buffers during June, July, and August
2007 for Alternates 2, 2A, 2B, 2C, 3, 4D, and 4E. USACE and ESI conducted field
verifications from August 27 through August 30, 2007. The N.C. Division of Water Quality
(NCDWQ) and ESI conducted a field review for the Neuse River Buffer Rules on August 27,
2007. The documentation for both studies was submitted to USACE and NCDWQ and
included in the October 3, 2007 report entitled, "Wetland and Stream Delineation Reevaluation
and Neuse River Riparian Buffer Reassessment." NCDWQ issued a letter on September 14,
2007 documenting the applicability of the Neuse River Buffer Rules. Since the corridor had
not been selected at that time and the Rapanos Forms were pending, USACE issued a.
Notification of Preliminary Jurisdictional Determination on February 11, 2008. The Preliminary
Jurisdictional Determination will expire on February 11, 2013. ESI will complete the Rapanos
Forms for the selected corridor before the fall of 2009 and submit them to USACE for review
and comment. Upon approval of the Rapanos Forms, USACE will issue a Final Jurisdictional
Determination.
I
CP2 Revisited Concurrence Meeting (5/22/2008) - The Merger Process Team held a
concurrence meeting on May 22, 2008 to discuss elimination of alternates for the entire project
from Belgrade to New Bern. The team concurred on elimination of Alternates 2, 2B, 4A, 4B,
4G, 4H, and 41 from further consideration during the meeting on May 22, 2008. The team also
concurred on carrying forward Alternates 2A and 2C for the Maysville Bypass, Alternate 3
(widen existing between Maysville and Pollocksville), and Alternates 4D and 4E for the
Pollocksville Bypass.
CP2A Concurrence Meeting (5/22/2008) - The Merger Process Team held a concurrence
meeting on May 22, 2008 to discuss bridging decisions based upon the March 6, 2007 field
observations and recommendations for the northern portion of the project from Chadwick to
New Bern including the Pollocksville Bypass. The team concurred on bridging decisions
during the meeting on May 22, 2008.
CP3 Concurrence Meeting (6/19/2008) - The Merger Process Team held a concurrence
meeting on June 19, 2008 to discuss corridor selection for the Pollocksville Bypass. The team
concurred on Alternate 4D for the Pollocksville Bypass during the June 19, 2008 meeting.
CP3 Revisited Concurrence Meeting (6/19/2008) - The Merger Process Team held a
concurrence meeting on June 19, 2008 to continue discussions on corridor selection for the
Maysville Bypass. Again, the majority of the team supported Alternate 2C rather than
Alternate 2A because Alternate 2C would impact fewer wetland areas and would cost less
than Alternate 2A. Therefore, the team was unable to concur on corridor selection for the
Maysville Bypass.
MMT Elevation Meeting (7/30/2008) - The Merger Management Team held an Elevation
Meeting on July 30, 2008 to discuss corridor selection for the Maysville Bypass (Alternate 2A
versus Alternate 2C). The team was unable to resolve the decision and decided to confer with
staff from each of their respective agencies prior to making a decision.
MMT Elevation Meeting (9/18/2008) - The Merger Management Team held an Elevation
Meeting on September 18, 2008 to continue discussions on corridor selection for the Maysville
Bypass. NCDOT presented a new option on Alternate 2A to minimize the differences in
jurisdictional impacts between Alternate 2A and Alternate 2C. NCDOT proposed to purchase
right of way for.the Alternate 2A interchanges during this project, but to delay construction of
the interchanges until a future project. The Merger Management Team decided not to render
a decision and recommended that NCDOT present the new option to the Merger Process
Team for consideration.
CP3 Revisited Meeting (10/16/2008) - The Merger Process Team held a concurrence meeting
on October 16, 2008 to continue discussions on corridor selection for the Maysville Bypass.
NCDOT presented the new option on Alternate 2A and the intent to minimize the differences
in jurisdictional impacts between Alternate 2A and Alternate 2C. NCDOT proposed to
purchase right of way for the Alternate 2A interchanges during this project, but to delay
construction of the interchanges until a future project. The team was unable to reach a
decision on the Maysville Bypass and decided to conduct a field meeting to observe the
potential impacts to Belgrade from Alternate 2C and potential impacts to the high-quality
wetlands from Alternate 2A.
CP3 Field Meeting (12/12/2008) - The Merger Process Team conducted a successful field
meeting on December 12, 2008 to observe and document potential impacts from the two
Maysville Bypass alternates to Belgrade by Alternate 2C and to the high-quality wetlands
associated with the White Oak River by Alternate 2A.
CP3 Revisited Concurrence Meeting (12/16/2008) - The Merger Process Team held a
concurrence meeting on December 16, 2008 to continue discussions on corridor selection for
the Maysville Bypass based upon the December 12, 2008 field observations. A majority of the
team reiterated its support for Alternate 2C (widen through Belgrade and bypass Maysville)
rather than direct impacts to the high-quality wetlands on Alternate 2A. Therefore, the team
was unable to concur on the Maysville Bypass.
NCDOT Upgrades Alternate C to Limited Control of Access (January 2009) - Based upon
comments received during the December 16, 2008 CP3 Revisited Meeting for the Maysville
Bypass, NCDOT decided to study upgrading from partial control of access to limited control of
access to determine whether Alternate 2C could be redesigned to better satisfy the Strategic
Highway Corridor Vision for US 17. NCDOT staff concluded that upgrading Alternate 2C to
limited control of access would provide an acceptable level of access control. Therefore,
NCDOT decided to approach the Merger Process Team regarding concurrence on the revised
Alternate 2C for the Maysville Bypass.
CP3 Revisited Concurrence Meeting (4/16/2009) - The Merger Process Team held a
concurrence meeting on April 16, 2009 to continue discussions on corridor selection for the
Maysville Bypass. NCDOT presented the preliminary design for the revised Alternate 2C with
limited control of access during the meeting. Although the stream impacts increased, the team
concurred on the revised Alternate 2C with limited control of access for the Maysville Bypass
during the April 16, 2009 meeting.
Corridor Selection by the Section 404 / NEPA Interagency Merqer Process - The Merger
Process Team and the Merger Management Team held field meetings, concurrence meetings,
and elevation meetings for corridor selection on February 22, 2007, June 19, 2008, July 30,
2008, September 18, 2008, October 16, 2008, December 12, 2008, December 16, 2008, and
April 16, 2009. The team reached unanimous concurrence for Alternate 4D as the selected
corridor for the Pollocksville Bypass on June 19, 2008 and unanimous concurrence for
Alternate 2C as the selected corridor for the Maysville Bypass on April 16, 2009.
Alternate 2C: Widen existing US 17 from the recently-completed R-2514A (US 17 from
north of Jacksonville to south of Belgrade) through Belgrade to the south of Maysville
and construct the Maysville Bypass on new location from just south of Maysville to just
north of Maysville;
Alternate 3: Widen existing US 17 from just north of Maysville to just north of
Chadwick; and
Alternate 4D: Construct the Pollocksville Bypass on new location from just north of
Chadwick to the proposed tie-in with R-2301A (US 17 New Bern Bypass) near the
Jones/Craven County Line.
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MEETING MINUTES FROM CONCURRENCE POINTS 2 & 2A
US 17 BELGRADE TO NEW BERN INCLUDING BYPASSES OF MA YSVILLE &
POLLOCKSVILLE, CONDUCTED ON MAY 22, 2008
DATE: June 30, 2009
TO: All Attendees
ATTENDEES: See Attached
FROM: Wes Stafford, PE, AICP - Wilbur Smith Associates
SUBJECT: US 17 Improvements from SR 1330/SR 1429 south of Belgrade to the
Jones /Craven County line south of New Bern
Onslow and Jones Counties, North Carolina
TIP No. R-2514 B, C & D, WBS No. 34442, (WSA Project No. 297420)
William Wescott (USACE) opened the meeting with introductions and explained that part of the purpose
of the meeting was to get everyone caught up for CP2 and CP2A. He explained that CP2 would be
looked at first and CP2A second. USACE requested reverification of wetland boundaries and an updated
Jurisdictional Determination (JD). The current JD is only preliminary and will be approved after the
Rapanos documentation is complete on the LEDPA.
CP2 CONCURRENCE MEETING
Overview of CP2 Merger Meetine
Mark Pierce (NCDOT) explained what Alternatives are still on the table and what has occurred on the
project since the last Merger Meeting. He explained that the bridge lengths did not change from the
previously agreed upon lengths based on the reverifted wetland limits. There were 10 action items from
the Merger Team to be addressed and Mark Pierce explained that they have all been addressed.
Pollocksville Bypass
Mark Pierce used the large map to explain what north end alignments we are preserving and which
alignments have been dropped from further consideration and why. The Alternatives being retained are
Alts 4E & 4D.
Maysville Bypass
Mark Pierce used the large map to explain all 4 southern alternatives and what alignments we are
proposing to be dropped and which alignments are proposed to be retained and why. Alts 2B and 2 were
recommended to be dropped and Alts 2A and 2C retained. NCDOT cannot support Alt 2 because of
community impacts and Alt 2B is opposed by the business owners and town officials mainly due to
economic impacts.
Relocations
EPA asked about Table 1 in the CP2 merger packet and that it did not seem to reflect accurate relocations
numbers for the alternatives. Mark Pierce and Wes Stafford (WSA) explained that the numbers were
calculated by counting structures and not differentiating between residential, and business structures. A
discussion ensued on correcting or amending the relocation numbers. The EPA wants to see some
421 Fayetteville Street Mall. Suite 1303 Raleigh, North Carolina 27601
919.755.0583 f 919.832.8798 www.WilburSmith.com
US 17 Concurrence Points 2 & 2A Meeting Minutes
June 30, 2009
Page 2
documentation on correct relocation impacts; however, they agreed to sign off on it if the numbers get
verified. William Wescott (USACE) stated that the relocation numbers should be reverified on all
alternatives.
Wildlife Underpass
The NCDOT has agreed to construct a wildlife underpass on this project subject to provisions outlined in
its February 15, 2008 letter. Mark Pierce stated that he has heard back from only one agency regarding
what the DOT has agreed to provide. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) explained that the next step is to
agree on location and sixe of underpass once the DOT has preliminary engineering. The exact location
still needs to be ironed out. NCDOT needs to know the exact location for the underpass by February 2009
in order to keep the project on track, especially for right-of-way acquisition. FWS explained that they can
site down at any point to discuss specific details on the size and location. In order to nail down the exact
location the DOT needs surveying, but before they start surveying they need a LEDPA.
A discussion ensued over what the DOT wants from the agencies and what the agencies want to see from
the DOT in order to move forward. FWS stated that there are still things that need to be worked out. Mark
Pierce said that he will reopen the discussion with the Merger Team and stakeholders.
FWS noted it has recently come to their attention that there are 3 ponds near the roadway that have a
specific salamander habitat that should be avoided.
William Wescott asked if the team was ready to sign the Concurrence Form and the form was signed.
Action Items:
1.) Reverify the relocation numbers
2.) Reopen dialog with Wildlife Underpass Stakeholders
3.) NCDOT to review pond locations for avoidance and minimization
4.) Need signatures from NMFS
CP2A CONCURRENCE MEETING
William Wescott asked about the action items and inquired if the Deep Gully bridging was resolved.
Mark explained that Deep Gully will be bridged on the New Bern Bypass (R-2301) and on R-2514D.
Impact Matrix
William Wescott discussed what happened during the March 6, 2007 field meeting and asked whether the
impact matrix was revised accordingly.
Wes Stafford directed the team to look at the Table 1 in the CP2 packet. He used the large maps to
explain the "Hydraulic Length" and "Jurisdictional Impacts" graphics in the CP2 packet and associated
tables. Wes reviewed the bridge/culvert lengths that were decided on based on field visits, what the
original bridge lengths were, and how they were reduced after field meetings.
Wes discussed the Comparison Table in the CP2 packet that explained how and why the wetland impacts
have changed since the original wetland verifications.
Neuse River Buffer Rules
The DWQ discussed the Neuse River Buffer rules and the streams in the study area that have been
determined the buffer applies to. There is a letter included in the Merger Packet with this information.
WilburSmith
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US 17 Concurrence Points 2 & 2A Meeting Minutes
June 30, 2009
Page 3
Mark Pierce explained that part of the project is in the Neuse River watershed and a small part of the
southern section of the project is in the White Oak watershed which does not have a buffer rule.
Question: William Wescott questioned why the alignment for Alt 2C displayed on the maps provided
goes across the ridge on the Byrd property and was not shifted to follow the ridge line.
Answer: Wes Stafford explained that it has been shifted and the impact tables reflect the shift but the
mapping does not. Wes will make sure the mapping is reflects the shift.
William Wescott agreed with CP2A concurrence. Mark Pierce asked if William wanted to break it into a
CP2A for the northern and southern sections. William preferred to keep it together in one concurrence
form for both sections.
USACE
William Wescott requested a corrected relocation table for all alternatives still under consideration and
the ALT 2 C shift to follow the ridge line gets reflected on all maps.
EPA
Wants the power substation addressed before the next meeting. Mark Pierce added it as an Action Item.
EPA inquired if the DOT has a preferred alternative on the northern section. Mark Pierce explained that
we are juggling fewer wetland impacts on 4D with fewer relocations and no impacts to the Foscoe
Plantation with 4E. EPA questioned the difference in cost between the two alignments and if the 3 million
dollar difference is worth it?
Rob Hanson with NCDOT stated that the DOT does not have a strong preference for either 4D or 4E and
would probably lean towards 4D for the cost savings and fewer wetland impacts.
EPA requested that more detailed information comparing 4D and 4E for the next meeting.
Action Items
1.) Revise mapping to reflect the Alt 2C shift to ridge line
2.) Discuss mitigation on all alternatives (wetlands, streams, buffers, historic) and break out the costs
and impacts
3.) Follow up on the power substation
4.) Need signatures from NMFS
William Wescott requested that electronic versions of amended merger packets be emailed to the Merger
Team members 1-2 weeks prior to the next meeting. Wes Stafford agreed to provide the information in
pdf format.
CP2A Concurrence form was signed and the meeting adjourned at approximately 2:40 pm.
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US 17 Concurrence Points 2 & 2A Meeting Minutes
June 30, 2009
Page 4
ATTENDANCE RECORD
Name Agency Telephone
Ma Pope FwT NCDOT - Historic Architecture 919-715-1620
John Lansford NCDOT - Roadway Design 919-250-4016
Travis Wilson NCWRC 919-715-1620
Chris Militscher USEPA-Raleigh 919-856-4206
James Speer Roadway Design 919-250-4016
Kathy Matthews US Environ. Prot. Agency 919-541-3062
Dewa ne Sykes NCDOT - Roadway Design 919-250-4016
Worth Calfee NCDOT Natural Environment 919-715-7225
Steve Sollod NCDENR - Div. Coastal Man. 919-733-2293 x 230
David Wainwright NCDENR-Division of Water Quality 919-715-3415
Suntem le Hel ren Wilbur Smith Associates 919-573-4196
David Wilver Wilbur Smith Associates 919-755-0583
Virginia Mabry NCDOT Priori Projects 919-212-3271
Elizabeth Lusk NCDOT Natural Environment 919-715-7225
Kevin Markham Environ. Services, Inc. 919-212-1760
Paul Mohler NCDOT - Archeology 919-715-1555
Stephen Lane NCDENR - Div. Coastal Man. 252-808-2808
Jay Twisdale NCDOT - Hydraulics 919-250-4100
Carlos Mo a NCDOT - Transportation Planning 919-733-4705
Wes Stafford Wilbur Smith Associates 919-573-4196
Chris Manley NCDOT - Natural Environment 919-715-1487
Neil Lassiter NCDOT - Division 2 919-733-2293
Ted Devens Project Development 919-733-7844
Greg Thorpe PDEA 919-733-7844
Peter Sandbeck NCDCR 919-807-6583
Mohammed Mulla NCDOT - Geotechnical Engineering 919-250-4088
Omar Azizi NCDOT Structure Design 919-250-4066
Rob Hanson NCDOT - Project Development 919-733-7844 x 226
Mark Pierce NCDOT - Project Development 919-733-7844 x 214
Brian Yamamoto NCDOT -Project Develo ment 919-733-7844 x 265
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US 17
SECTION 404 / NEPA MERGER PROCESS CONCURRENCE AGREEMENT
REVISIT OF CONCURRENCE POINT 2:
DETAILED STUDY ALTERNATIVES CARRIED FORWARD
BELGRADE TO NEW BERN
US 17, NCDOT Divisions 2 & 3, Onslow & Jones Counties
TIP Project No. R-2514BCD
TIP Description : The North Carolina Department of Transportation proposes a combination
of widening, bypasses of Belgrade, Maysville, and Pollocksville on new location, and other
improvements to the existing US 17 roadway from multilanes north of Jacksonville (R-2514A)
to multilanes south of New Bern (R-2301, the New Bern Bypass) to create a four-lane divided
facility.
Alternatives to be Eliminated : 2, 2B, 4A, 4B, 4G, 4H, and 41
Alternatives to be Carried Forward : 2A, 2C, 3, 4D, and 4E
The Merger Process Team met on May 22, 2008 and concurs with the alternatives listed
above to be eliminated and those to be carried forward in the corridor selection process for
the proposed improvements to US 17 from Belgrade to New Bern.
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USACE fill,
J William Wescott, P.W.S. Date
USEPA
Christopher Militscher Date
NMFS
Ramon Schlier Date /
NCWRCb'-'
Travis Wilson Date
USFWS? zti iocg .
Wiry Jordan Date
USFS c3y tc TF'Icn e19_1096
Karen Compton Date
NCDWQ f?r ??s'??J?? r
David Wainwrigl bate'
NCDCM ' J,
Steve Sollod Date
NCDMF ray T?LEPNoryE 0`51°1°
Trish Murphey Date
NCDCR i, Y'2 ? 5 • " BS'
Renee Gledhill-Earley Date
NCDOT
Mark Pierce, P.E. Date
US 17
SECTION 404 / NEPA MERGER PROCESS CONCURRENCE AGREEMENT
CONCURRENCE POINT 2A: BRIDGING DECISIONS & ALIGNMENT REVIEW
BELGRADE TO NEW BERN (SECTIONS B, C, & D)
US 17, NCDOT Divisions 2 & 3, Onslow & Jones Counties
TIP Project No. R-2514BCD
TIP Description : The North Carolina Department of Transportation proposes a combination
of widening, bypasses of Belgrade, Maysville, and Pollocksville on new location, and other
improvements to the existing US 17 roadway from multilanes north of Jacksonville (R-2514A)
to multilanes south of New Bern (R-2301, the New Bern Bypass) to create a four-lane divided
facility.
Alignment Review : The Merger Process Team met on February 22, 2007 and on May 22, 2008
and concurs with the corridor alignments under consideration for the proposed improvements to
US 17 from Belgrade to New Bern (Sections B, C, and D).
Bridging Decisions : The Merger Process Team met on February 22, 2007 and on May 22,
2008 to discuss the preliminary hydraulics design for the major crossings for the proposed
improvements to US 17 from Belgrade to New Bern (Sections B, C, and D). The Team concurs
with the proposed bridging decisions presented in the following table.
Alt
Structure Stream
or
Hydraulically- Field-
Recommended
No. River Required Structure Structure
S3 UT1 to 2 @ 8'x 4' Culvert 2 @ 8' x 4' Culvert
White Oak River
S4A UT5 to 7'x 5' Culvert 100-fl Bridge
White Oak River
2A S4B UT to < 72-inch Pipe Culvert
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S8 While Oak River 150-11 Bridge 560-ft Bridge
S8A Goshen Branch None 380-ft Bridge
SBB Trent River 290-ft Bridge 1180-11 Bridge
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S9A Goshen Branch None 3804t Bridge
4E S9B Trent River 290-ft Bridge 1180-ft Bridge
S17 Deep Gully 2 @ 8'x 6' Culvert 420-ft Bridge
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MEETING MINUTES FROM CONCURRENCE POINTS 3&3R
US 17 BELGRADE TO NEW BERN INCLUDING BYPASSES OF MAYSVILLE &
POLLOCKSVILLE, CONDUCTED ON JUNE 19, 2008
DATE: July 10, 2009
TO: All Attendees
ATTENDEES: See Attached
FROM: Wes Stafford, PE, AICP - Wilbur Smith Associates
SUBJECT: US 17 Improvements from SR 1330/SR 1429 south of Belgrade to the
Jones /Craven County line south of New Bern
Onslow and Jones Counties, North Carolina
TIP No. R-2514 B, C & D, WBS No. 34442, (WSA Project No. 297420)
The meeting was opened with introductions and then Mark Pierce (NCDOT) gave a brief summary
explaining that the purpose of the meeting was corridor selection around Maysville (Alt 2A vs. Alt 2C)
and Pollocksville (Alt 4D vs. Alt 4E). Mark further explained that the meeting was the culmination of
about 16 months of discussions and thus far has received 3 elevation briefings regarding the Maysville
bypass.
Additional project updates provided by Mark were regarding the Byrd property wetland violation and
wildlife underpass issue. There is no update regarding the Byrd wetland violation. NCDOT is continuing
coordination with stakeholders regarding the wildlife underpass and is currently trying to set a date when
all interested stakeholders are available to meet. This meeting will most likely take place sometime in
August.
Action Item Summary
Mark explained that several Action Items were identified at the previous Merger Meeting (05/22/08) and
all have been addressed. The action items were as follows:
• Update Maysville Relocations
• Wildlife Underpass stakeholder coordination
• Shift Alt 2C to ridgeline near Byrd Property
• Figure cost for jurisdictional mitigation for entire project
• Avoid Substation near Southern termini
• USFS role on project
• Discuss Mitigation for Foscue Plantation impacts from Alts 4D and 4E
Jurisdictional Mitigation
The question of mitigation for the project arose and NCDOT stated their plans to use the Croatan
Mitigation Bank for mitigation and 2/3 -3/4 of the project falls within the same Hydrologic Cataloguing
unit as the Croatan Mitigation Bank. Karen Compton (USFS) mentioned that the Croatan Mitigation Bank
has not been finalized.
The EPA explained that mitigation costs of wetlands should not be considered in the corridor selection.
421 Fayetteville Street Mall, Suite 1303 Raleigh, North Carolina 27601
919.755.0583 f 919.832.8798 wvna.WilburSmith.com
US 17 Concurrence Points 3 & 3A Meeting Minutes
July 10, 2009
Page 2
The Wildlife Resources Commission (WRC) explained that there are some vernal pools in the Croatan
National Forest near Alt 3 that they would like someone from NCDOT Natural Environment Unit (NEU)
to GPS so the exact locations are known and attempts can me made to avoid or minimize impacts to them.
WRC would like to see these features displayed on project mapping and design plans.
CP3 CONCURRENCE MEETING (POLLOCKSVILLE BYPASS)
Northern Section
Mark Pierce (NCDOT) explained the impact matrix from the Merger Packet for both Alternatives 4E and
4D. He compared the attributes of each. Alternative 4D has fewer wetland impacts.
EPA asked which Alternative NCDOT preferred - ALT 4D.
Mark demonstrated and explained the location and limits of the Foscue Plantation in relation to the Alts
4D and 4E to the group using the large aerial photograph exhibit.
Mark Pierce requested partial concurrence on Alts 3 and 4D and Merger Members agreed to sign a partial
concurrence form for these. A copy is attached for your reference.
CP3 REVISTED CONCURRENCE MEETING (MAYSVILLE BYPASS)
Maysville Bypass
Mark Pierce discussed the action items for this section. Dave Wilver from Wilbur Smith Associates
(WSA) explained the Alt 2C ridgeline shift. William Wescott asked if this shift resulted in a reduction to
wetland impacts. It resulted in an impact reduction of a little more than I acre.
SunTemple Helgren from WSA explained how the relocation numbers were revised. He performed field
reconnaissance on all the alternatives and marked all relocations on field maps that displayed the
alternative corridors over the most recent aerial photography available. This information was input into
the project GIS and attributed as to if it was a residence or business. A discussion ensued amongst the
Merger Team regarding business relocations vs. residential, business types, quality of life, and available
housing.
William Wescott (USACE) asked if this project would provide a higher Level of Service (LOS) for only
4.5 miles because there is not controlled access on either end. He also explained that just because an area
may be designated as the Hofmann Forest or Croatan National Forest does not mean that it is protected
from being developed.
Rob Hanson (NCDOT) explained that US 17 goes from freeway to expressway and back to freeway for
its entire statewide corridor so it is not atypical for there to be sections of controlled access followed by
sections of partial or no access control.
William Wescott asked Mark Pierce to fill the group in on the 3 elevation briefs that have been submitted.
Mark explained that USFWS, WRC, and EPA all emailed elevation briefs to the entire Merger Team.
EPA asked to have the interchange shift to avoid the substation near the southern termini explained. Dave
Wilver of WSA explained the shift and that it created more wetland impacts. EPA also stated that it is
hard pressed to change the issues they pointed out a year ago. The Clean Water Act (CWA) makes an
obvious choice for the LEDPA because of stream and wetland impacts. The EPA has to pick the one with
Wilbur-Smith
US 17 Concurrence Points 3 & 3A Meeting Minutes
July 10, 2009
Page 3
the least Section 404 impacts and therefore cannot concur and suggested that the elevation process be
continued.
The team was unable to reach concurrence on the corridor selection for the Maysville Bypass. NCDOT
asked that everyone who has not written an elevation brief to do so and that the elevation process would
be continued. He explained that those in non-concurrence must submit a brief, while it is optional for
those who concur. There is no need for the NCDOT to submit a brief. USFWS asked for an extension on
the 5-day brief filing requirement and explained that they would provide a brief by July 2"a
Environmental Justice (EJ) Impacts to Belgrade
Wes Stafford read the EJ section regarding Belgrade from the Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) for
the group. The Forest Service questioned thejump in relocation numbers. EPA asked if there has been
any economic analysis for Maysville with regards to the impact of a bypass. A Benefit Burden Analysis
between Alt 2A and 2C in Maysville was suggested by NCDOT. William Wescott mentioned that the
USACE elevation briefing will include a Benefit Burden Analysis and a review of the relocations so EJ
issues can be fully addressed.
ACTION ITEMS
1.) WRC - requested vernal pools in Croatan National Forest be GPS'd for avoidance and minimization
efforts.
2.) State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO) - need an MOA for ALT 4D Foscue Simmons Plantation
impacts
3.) Entire Merger Team - Elevation briefs by end of July.
4.) USACE - Benefit Burden Analysis for potential EJ issues.
The meeting adjourned at approximately 10:30 am.
WilburSmith
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US 17 Concurrence Points 3 & 3A Meeting Minutes
July 10, 2009
Page 4
ATTENDANCE RECORD
Name Agency Tele hone
Kathy Matthews US Environ. Prot. Agency 919-541-3062
Ed Eatmon NCDOT Div. 2 252-830-3490
Marissa Rodman NCDOT NEU 919-528-3490
Travis Wilson NCWRC 919-715-1620
Gary Jordan USFWS 919-856-4520 x 32
James Speer Roadway Design 919-250-4016
John Lansford NCDOT - Roadway Design 919-2504016
Karen Compton USFS 828-257-4230
Thomas Stoddard NCDOT-STIP Unit 919-733-2039
Paul Mohler NCDOT - PDEA - HEU 919-715-1555
Suntem le Hel ren Wilbur Smith Associates 919-573-4196
Jay Twisdale NCDOT - Hydraulics 919-250-4100
Steve Sollod NCDENR - Div. Coastal Man. 919-733-2293 x 230
Chris Riverbark PDEA-NEU 919-715-1460
Matt Smith ESI 910-383-6021
Chris Militscher USEPA - Raleigh 919-856-4206
Worth Calfee NCDOT NEU 919-715-7225
David Wainwright NCDENR - Division of Water Quality 919-715-3415
Virginia Mabry NCDOT ADU 919-212-3271
Brian Wrenn DW 919-733-5715
Ma Pope Furr NCDOT - Historic Architecture 919-715-1620
Brian Yamamoto NCDOT - Project Development 919-733-7844 x 265
Renee Gledhill-Earle SHPO - DCR 919-807-6579
Ed Lewis PICS/HEU 919-715-1593
Neil Lassiter NCDOT -Division 2 919-733-2293
Phil Harris NCDOT - PDEA/NEU 919-715-1384
Carlos Mo a NCDOT - Transportation Planning 919-733-4705
Allen Poe NCDOT Division 3 910-251-5724
William Wescott USACE 252-975-1616 x 31
Daniel Van Liere Down East RPO 252-229-0308
Mark Pierce NCDOT - Project Development 919-733-7844 x 214
WflburSmith
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US 17
SECTION 404 / NEPA MERGER PROCESS CONCURRENCE AGREEMENT
CONCURRENCE POINT 3: CORRIDOR SELECTION
NORTH OF MAYSVILLE TO NEW BERN
US 17, NCDOT Divisions 2 & 3, Onslow.& Jones Counties
TIP Project No. R-2514BCD
TIP Description : The North Carolina Department of Transportation proposes a combination
of widening, bypasses of Belgrade, Maysville, and Pollocksville on new location, and other
improvements to the existing US 17 roadway from multilanes north of Jacksonville (R-2514A)
to multilanes south of New Bern (R-2301, the New Bern Bypass) to create a four-lane divided
facility.
Corridor Selection : Alternate 3 to widen existing US 17 from Maysville to Chadwick
Alternate 4D from Chadwick to New Bern (Pollocksville Bypass)
The Merger Process Team met on June 19, 2008 and concurs with the corridor selections
listed above for the proposed improvements to US 17 from north of Maysville to New Bern.
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MEETING MINUTES FROM CONCURRENCE POINT 3 REVISITED
CORRIDOR SELECTION FOR THE MAYSVILLE BYPASS
CONDUCTED ON OCTOBER 16, 2008
DATE: August 14, 2009
TO: All Attendees
ATTENDEES: See Attached
FROM: Wes Stafford, PE, AICP - Wilbur Smith Associates
SUBJECT: US 17 Improvements from SR 1330/SR 1429 south of Belgrade to
the Jones /Craven County line south of New Bem, Onslow and
Jones Counties, North Carolina TIP No. R-2514 B, C & D, WBS
No. 34442, (WSA Project No. 297420)
Mark Pierce (NCDOT) opened the meeting stating the background of the project and that
a proposal of a new design option for the Maysville Bypass will be discussed.
Ongoing Issues:
Byrd Landfill: No update on this disposal violation. It appears based on information
from Division 3 and the USACE that the majority of Alternative 2C is outside of the
violation. NCDOT has permission from Mr. Byrd to get on the site.
Wildlife Underpass: A stakeholders meeting was held on August 25, 2008. Discussion
centered on design criteria and provisions for the underpass. The Nature Conservancy,
USFWS, USFS, NCDENR, and NCWRC requested that NCDOT construct a wildlife
underpass between Maysville and the community of Chadwick. NCDOT has
conditionally agreed to construct a wildlife underpass as part of the R-2514 highway
improvement project.
USACE: Will issue a preliminary jurisdictional determination after Maysville Bypass
has been resolved and Rapanas Forms completed.
Concurrence: Ron Secular (NOAA-Fisheries) by phone gave a verbal concurrence on all
2008 agreements for CP2R, CP2A and CP3 North during the meeting.
In February 2007, elevation was initiated for the Maysville Bypass due to non-
concurrence. In May 2008, CP2 was revisited and the merger team agreed to reduce
alternates to 2A and 2C for the Maysville Bypass, Alternate 3 between Maysville and
Pollocksville, and Alternates 41) and 4E for the Pollocksville Bypass. In June 2008 the
team reached concurrence on Alternate 4D for the Pollocksville Bypass but didn't concur
421 Fayetteville Street Mall, Suite 1303 Raleigh, North Carolina 27601
919.755.0583 f 919.832.8798 www.WilburSmith.com
US 17 Concurrence Point 3 Revisited Minutes
August 14, 2009
Page 2
on the Maysville Bypass. On July 30, 2008 the Merger Management Team (MMT) did
not reach concurrence on 2A and 2C. The project went back to the MMT on Sept 18th,
with a new design option for Alternate 2A offered. The MMT referred the decision back
to the Merger Process Team.
Mark reviewed the existing design that was proposed for Alternate 2A with interchanges
and proposed removing the interchanges and putting superstreets on each end and
reserving the future R/W for the interchanges. This proposal does several things:
Benefits;
• Reserved R/W would preclude developers buying property.
• Also, reduction of wetland impacts
• Slightly shorter length
• Has reduction in relocations
Comments;
• USEPA noted that in the past consideration was given for bridging wetland 45 on
Alternate 2A. This wetland has potential to be high quality and if bridged Alternate
2A wetland impacts would be closer to Alternate 2C. If NCDOT would bridge this
wetland USEPA would consider approving Alternate 2A.
• Neil Lassiter (NCDOT) commented there were no immediate plans to construct
interchanges. He is just interested in protecting the highway from future development.
The department would prepare preliminary design for R/W purchase, but a superstreet
connection would be constructed.
• USEPA desires to reduce impacts to wetlands and put that up to the team for their
thoughts.
• DWQ noted that they would have trouble permitting future roads if they will have
wetland impacts. For permitting, the complete project has to be considered which
includes the future interchange. Could these interchanges be shifted to reduce wetland
impacts?
NCDOT cited:
• 3 occasions where R/W was reserved but had to be changed and wasn't used.
If NCDOT doesn't use R/W but buys the property then owners would have to relocate
and land would lay dormant.
• DWQ would like to have an idea of wetland impacts outside of the identified 2A
corridor. This would help to ensure that R/W is purchased in the right location with
minimum impacts.
Discussion by the team noted that there were wetlands adjacent to the corridor. It was
proposed that the southern terminus of Alternate 2A be looked at closer while northern
terminus is the same for both Alternate 2A & 2C.
US 17 Concurtence Point 3 Revisited Minutes
August 14, 2009
Page 3
Southern Interchanges beyond Corridor
ESI delineated to boundaries of design files that were shown on the mapping. Chris
Manley noted that the southern end of the project has wetlands all over the area. Moving
the interchanges probably won't make a difference.
The team questioned if there was more potential for more minimization with Alternate
2A. Mark noted that most improvements to minimize impacts have probably been
completed. USEPA suggested that reducing the roadway median might reduce impacts or
maybe a combination of changing bridge lengths and changing median width.
The team was unable to reach concurrence on corridor selection for the Maysville Bypass
and recommended conducting a field meeting to observer relocations in Belgrade and to
re-verify quality of wetland 45.
Meeting adjourned at 12:11.
ATTENDANCE RECORD
Name Agency Telephone
Brian Yamamoto NCDOT - Project Development 919-733-7844 x 265
Colin Mellor NCDOT -NEU 919-715-1426
Paul Mohler NCDOT - Archaeology 919-715-1555
Ed Eatmon NCDOT Div. 2 252-830-3490
Ed Lewis PICS/HEU 919-715-1593
Thomas Stoddard NCDOT - STIP Unit 919-733-2039
John Lansford NCDOT-Roadway Design 919-250-4016
Ray Lovin ood NCDOT - Hydraulics 919-250-4100
Travis Wilson NCWRC 919-715-1620
Kathy Matthews US Environ. Prot. Agency 919-541-3062
Jay Twisdale NCDOT-Hydraulics 919-250-4100
William Wescott USACE 252-975-1616 x 31
James Speer Roadway Design 919-250-4016
Gary Jordan USFWS 919-856-4520 x 32
Stephen Lane NCDENR - Div. Coastal Man. 252-808-2808
Suntem le Hel en Wilbur Smith Associates 919-573-4196
Chris Militscher USEPA - Raleigh 919-856-4206
Renee Gledhill-Earle SHPO - DCR 919-807-6579
KJ Kim NCDOT - Geotech 919-662-3576
Chris Manley NCDOT - NaturalEnvironment 919-715-1487
Steve Sollod NCDENR-Div. Coastal Man. 919-733-2293 x 230
David Wainwright NCDENR-Division of Water Quality 919-715-3415
Neil Lassiter NCDOT - Division 2 919-733-2293
Miss Dickens PDEA 733-7844 x 293
Marissa Rodman NCDOT NEU 919-528-3490
Tim Gardiner HEU-Community Studies 919-715-1492
Brian Wrenn DW 919-733-5715
Greg Thorpe PDEA 919-733-7844
US 17 Concurrence Point 3 Revisited Minutes
August 14, 2009
Page 4
Karen Compton USFS 828-257-4230
Ron Sechler NOAA - Fisheries
Wes Stafford Wilbur Smith Associates 919-573-4196
Mark Pierce NCDOT - Project Develo ment 919-733-7844 x 214
Rob Hanson NCDOT - Project Development 919-733-7844 x 226
Scott McLendon USACE
David Wilver Wilbur Smith Associates 919-755-0583
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MEETING MINUTES FROM FIELD MEETING REGARDING
CONCURRENCE POINT 3 REVISITED CORRIDOR SELECTION FOR THE
MAYSVILLE BYPASS CONDUCTED ON DECEMBER 12, 2008
DATE: February 19, 2010
TO: All Attendees
ATTENDEES: See Attached
FROM: Wes Stafford, PE, AICP - Wilbur Smith Associates
SUBJECT: US 17 Improvements from SR 1330/SR 1429 south of Belgrade to
the Jones /Craven County line south of New Bern, Onslow and
Jones Counties, North Carolina TIP No. R-2514 B, C & D, WBS
No. 34442, (WSA Project No. 297420)
Mark Pierce (NCDOT) opened the meeting at the campground adjacent to US 17 in
Maysville with the team by reviewing mapping of the proposed Alternate 2A and 2C
alignments and discussing the locations that would be visited. The team was interested in
seeing wetland number 45 on Alternate 2A and potential relocations that could be
affected by both alignments 2A and 2C.
Alternate 2A:
Wetland No. 45 was accessed by the team using GIS coordinate data and a handheld
device. The team reviewed that area and noted that the wetlands were of good quality
and still similar to quality noted during the CP2A bridging decisions field meeting on
November 1, 2006.
Alternate 2C:
The team moved from Alternate 2A to Alternate 2C to review the potential relocations
that could be impacted by widening the facility through Belgrade. The team paid close
attention to the section between White Oak River Road and north toward the White Oak
River. It was noted that several residences, a cemetery, and businesses such as a fertilizer
company, grocery store, auto repair garage and the fire station could be impacted by
widening this section of US 17. NCDOT human environment group noted that taking
these business and residences could be detrimental to the community of Belgrade. The
general consensus of USEPA and USACE was to support Alternate 2C (widen through
Belgrade and bypass Maysville) rather than direct impacts to the high-quality wetlands on
Alternate 2A.
The field meeting adjourned with a plan to meet again in the near future to discuss the
field observations and make a final decision on the LEDPA for this section of the project.
421 Fayetteville Street Mall, Suite 1303 Raleigh, North Carolina 27601
919.755.0583;919.832.8798 vvww.WilburSmith.com
US 17 Concurrence Point 3 Revisited Minutes
February 19, 2010
Page 2
ATTENDANCE RECORD
Name Agency Telephone
David Wainwright NCDENR-Division of Water Quality 919-715-3415
Chris Militscher USEPA - Raleigh 919-856-4206
William Wescott USACE 252-975-1616 x 31
Travis Wilson NCWRC 919-715-1620
Mark Pierce NCDOT - Project Development 919-733-7844 x 214
Suntem le Hel ren Wilbur Smith Associates 919-573-4196
Wes Stafford Wilbur Smith Associates 919-573-4196
Ron Sechler NOAA - Fisheries
Steve Sollod NCDENR - Div. Coastal Man. 919-733-2293 x 230
Stephen Lane NCDENR - Div. Coastal Man. 252-808-2808
Steve Gur anus NCDOT HEU 919431-2032
Chris Riverbark PDEA - NEU 919-715-1460
Ed Eatmon NCDOT Div. 2 252-830-3490
James Speer Roadway Design 919-250-4016
David Wilver Wilbur Smith Associates 919-755-0583
s mvt
STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
BEVERLY EAVES PERDUE EUGENE A. CONTI, JR.
GOVERNOR SECRETARY
February 9, 2010
(Tuesday)
MEMORANDUM TO: Meeting Attendees
COPY TO: Mr. Wes Stafford (Wilbur Smith Associates)
FROM: Mark Pierce, P.E., Project Planning Engineer, Eastern Project Development Unit
SUBJECT: Minutes from December 16, 2008 CP3 Revisited Meeting
R-2514: US 17 - Belgrade to New Bern
The Merger Process Team conducted a Concurrence Meeting from 1:05 to 2:10 p.m. on Tuesday, December 16,
2008 to revisit corridor selection for the Maysville Bypass. The following individuals recorded their attendance
at the meeting or were observed to be in attendance.
1. Karen Compton (U.S. Forest Service)
2. Ed Eatmon (NCDOT - Division 2)
3. Renee Gledhill-Earley (N.C. Historic Preservation Office)
4. Steve Gurganus (NCDOT - Community Studies Team)
5. Rob Hanson (NCDOT - Eastern Project Development Unit)
6. SunTemple Helgren (Wilbur Smith Associates)
7. Gary Jordan (U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service)
8. Kyung Kim (NCDOT - Eastern Geotechnical Engineering Unit)
9. Stephen Lane (N.C. Division of Coastal Management)
10. Neil Lassiter (NCDOT - Division 2)
11. Ed Lewis (NCDOT - Public Involvement & Community Studies Group)
12. Elizabeth Lusk (NCDOT - Natural Environment Unit)
13. Chris Manley (NCDOT - Natural Environment Unit)
14. Harrison Marshall (NCDOT - Community Studies Team)
15. Kathy Matthews (U.S. Environmental Protection Agency)
16. Chris Militscher (U.S. Environmental Protection Agency)
17. Paul Mohler (NCDOT - Archaeology Section)
18. Mark Pierce (NCDOT - Eastern Project Development Unit)
19. Jackson Provost (NCDOT - Division 3)
20. Marissa Rodman (NCDOT - Natural Environment Unit)
21. Ron Sechler (National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration - Fisheries)
22. Amy Simes (N.C. Department of Environment and Natural Resources)
23. Steve Sollod (N.C. Division of Coastal Management)
MAILING ADDRESS: TELEPHONE: 919-733-3141 LOCATION:
NC DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION FAX: 919-733-9794 TRANSPORTATION BUILDING
PROJECT DEVELOPMENT & 1 SOUTH WILMINGTON STREET
ENVIRONMENTAL ANALYSIS BRANCH RALEIGH NC 27601
1548 MAIL SERVICE CENTER WEaSITEI
RALEIGH NC 27699-1548 www.ncdot.org/doh/preconstrucUpe/
Minutes from December 16, 2008 CP3R Concurrence Meeting
R-2514: US 17- Belgrade to New Bern - Onslow & Jones Counties
February 9, 2010
Page 2
24. James Speer (NCDOT - Roadway Design Unit)
25. Thomas Stoddard (NCDOT - TIP Unit)
26. Greg Thorpe (NCDOT - Project Development & Environmental Analysis Branch)
27. Jay Twisdale (NCDOT-Hydraulics Unit)
28. David Wainwright (N.C. Division of Water Quality)
29. Travis Wilson (N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission)
30. David Wilver (Wilbur Smith Associates)
31. William Wescott (U.S. Army Corps of Engineers)
32. Brian Wrenn (N.C. Division of Water Quality)
33. Brian Yamamoto (NCDOT - Eastern Project Development Unit)
Purpose of this Meetine
The purpose of this meeting was to continue our discussions on corridor selection for the Maysville Bypass
including Alternate 2A and Alternate 2C, and, in particular, to discuss the observations from the CP3R Field
Meeting that the Merger Process Team conducted on December 12, 2008.
December 12, 2008 CP3R Field Meeting
During the December 12, 2008 Field Meeting to revisit the Maysville Bypass corridor selection decision, the
Team observed the potential impacts and relocations that would be generated by Alternate 2C in Belgrade, and
reinspected the potential jurisdictional impacts that would be generated by Alternate 2A to the White Oak River.
The Team observed the businesses and residences that would be impacted by Alternate 2C in Belgrade and noted
that several businesses and residences were unoccupied and/or abandoned. This led to a discussion of whether an
unoccupied or abandoned structure would be a relocation. The Team also questioned the number of viable
businesses in Belgrade. The Team requested that the relocation estimates be reverified.
The Team also reinspected the jurisdictional areas that would be impacted by Altemate 2A. The Team
reaffirmed their assessment of the quality of the wetlands that would be impacted by this alternate.
New Option for Alternate 2A
NCDOT offered a proposal for a new option for Alternate 2A. NCDOT proposed to purchase right of way for
the interchanges for Altemate 2A during this action, but to construct them in the future. This would mean that
we would be considering construction of Alternate 2A as an expressway with superstreet connections rather than
as a freeway with interchanges. The majority of the Team agreed that there would be no difference in
jurisdictional impacts regardless of whether the interchanges were constructed now or in the future, and
therefore, did not accept this proposal.
Permitting for Alternate 2A
Mr. William Wescott (U.S. Army Corps of Engineers) stated that, based on the impact information presented thus
far, NCDOT would not receive a permit for Alternate 2A because Alternate 2C is a viable alternative that
satisfies the purpose and need and has fewer jurisdictional impacts.
Minutes from December 16, 2008 CP3R Concurrence Meeting
R-2514: US 17- Belgrade to New Bern - Onslow & Jones Counties
February 9, 2010
Page 3
Strategic Highway Corridor System
The Team continued discussions regarding NCDOT's support for Alternate 2A. NCDOT supports Alternate 2A
to avoid impacts to the Community of Belgrade and to satisfy the intent of the Strategic Highway Corridor
System. Everyone acknowledged that Alternate 2A would avoid the Community of Belgrade. However, the
Team recalled that the Strategic Highway Corridor System was not included in the original purpose and need
statement. The majority of the Team determined that their decision must be based upon the least environmentally
damaging practicable alternative and reiterated their support for Alternate 2C since the wetland impacts were
lower and it satisfies the purpose and need for the project.
The Team questioned whether NCDOT could improve the level of service of Alternate 2C by adding service
roads to better satisfy the requirements of the Strategic Highway Corridor System.
Public Comments on Maysville Bypass
Based upon the comments received by NCDOT and originally documented in the Community Impact
Assessment, the public supports Alternate 2A. Mr. Wescott stated that he had seen only a few public comments
from the August 2005 Public Hearing and requested documentation of public comments on Alternate 2A versus
Alternate 2C.
Non-Concurrence and Continuation of the Elevation Process
A majority of the Team reiterated its support for Alternate 2C (widen through Belgrade and bypass Maysville)
rather than direct impacts to the high-quality wetlands by Alternate 2A. Therefore, the Team was unable to reach
concurrence on corridor selection for the Maysville Bypass during this meeting and decided to reelevate the
decision to the Merger Management Team. Mr. Mark Pierce (NCDOT Eastern Project Development Unit)
questioned whether any Team members wanted to update their Elevation Briefs and received the following
responses.
• Mr. Wescott stated that he would be updating his Elevation Brief based upon his observations during the
December 12, 2008 CP3R Field Meeting.
• Other Team members might also be updating their Elevation Briefs.
• Mr. Gary Jordan (U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service) stated that he would not be updating his Elevation
Brief and to use his previous submittal.
Summary & Action Items
1. The Team did not reach concurrence on corridor selection for the Maysville Bypass during this meeting
and recommended continuation of the Elevation Process.
2. Some members of the Team will be updating and resubmitting their Maysville Bypass Corridor Selection
Elevation Briefs to Mr. Pierce for compilation and submittal to the Merger Management Team.
3. Mr. Wescott requested documentation of public comments on Alternate 2A versus Alternate 2C.
Minutes from December 16, 2008 CP3R Concurrence Meeting
R-2514: US 17- Belgrade to New Bern - Onslow & Jones Counties
February 9, 2010
Page 4
4. The Team requested reverification of the relocation estimates for Alternate 2A and Alternate 2C.
Acknowledeements
Please review these minutes and provide me with your corrections, additions, or approval. Should you have
comments or questions during your review or want to further discuss any of these issues, please contact me at
(919) 733-7844 x214 or mspierce(@ncdot.gov. I appreciate your time and look forward to your response.
?n'nn?n RAN' PS
Wilbut'Smith
MEETING MINUTES FROM CONCURRENCE POINTS 311 & 4A
US 17 BELGRADE TO NEW BERN INCLUDING BYPASSES OF
MAYSVILLE & POLLOCKSVILLE, CONDUCTED ON APRIL 16, 2 009
DATE: August 11, 2009
TO: All Attendees
ATTENDEES: See Attached
FROM: Wes Stafford, PE, AICP - Wilbur Smith Associates
SUBJECT: US 17 Improvements from SR 1330/SR 1429 south of Belgrade to the
Jones /Craven County line south of New Bern
Onslow and Jones Counties, North Carolina
TIP No. R-2514 B, C & D, WBS No. 34442, (WSA Project No. 297420)
Mark Pierce, NCDOT
• Mark Pierce distributed packets, minutes from previous meeting and reminded
everyone to sign-in.
• Mark recognized and welcomed Mr. Robert Will, Down East, RPO, newest member
of the merger process team
Mark handed floor to William Wescott for opening.
William Wescott, USACE
• William Wescott opened meeting at 1:20 pm and introduced the two main discussion
points:
o CP3 Revisited for Section B - NCDOT has taken another look at Alt. 2C,
Maysville to Belgrade. Revised plans to be discussed
o CP4A Section D - Pollocksville Section
• Introductions were made around the room by all in attendance.
• Mr. Wescott returned the floor to Mark Pierce.
CP3R, SECTION B
Mark Pierce, NCDOT
• Mark began by pointing out that this is a two-year process for Maysville Bypass (Alt
2A vs. Alt 2C), elevated in February 22, 2007.
• At the last meeting it was suggested that the access control for 2C be upgraded. This
has been done..Wilbur Smith Associates (WSA) will step through the plans. Access
roads have been added.
• CP4A meeting will only entertain discussions on Section D, northern portion of the
project (Pollocksville Bypass).
• Section C will not be discussed pending wildlife underpass issue.
• A couple of other issues:
421 Fayetteville Street Mall. Suite 1303 Raleigh, North Carolina 27601
919.755.0583 f919.832.8798 www.WilburSmith.com
US 17 Concurrence Points 3R and 4A Meeting Minutes
August 11, 2009
Page 2
Mark requested an update on Byrd landfill disposal site violation from William
Wescott. Mr. Wescott said he spoke with Scott McLendon. They then sent to
USEPA to take an active role in. Otherwise status is unknown.
o All concurrence agreements have been signed. Several telephone conferences
were held during the last two meetings.
o Once corridor selection is resolved for Maysville Bypass, it can go from
preliminary to final. Review schedule to determine a decision (after today).
Mark turned the meeting over to Dave Wilver for the discussion of Maysville Bypass
Alternative 2C Revisions.
David Wilver, WSA
• Alignment was shifted to the west to avoid impacts to the White Oak River, allowing
existing US 17 to be kept as a service road and avoiding many relocations.
• Additional service roads were added.
• Impacts to wetlands were avoided.
• Superstreet design used and added grade separation of existing road (SR 1116) which
allows partial access control or limited control through entire segment.
• Chris Militscher, USEPA Question: What is the typical section median width?
Answer: 46' median with 2 lanes in each direction
• Service roads are offset approximately 50'.
• USEPA asked where the 800' of stream impacts were located and cemetery impacts.
Two cemeteries, 30 to 50 graves. Wilver answered that the impacts were
approximately the same as for the original 2C alignment. Pierce added that the
difference is summarized in the packet handed out at the beginning of the meeting.
• Team would like the impacts to Croatan Forest acreage broken out for further
discussion.
The team reached concurrence on corridor selection presented during this meeting. A
copy is attached for your reference
CP4A, SECTION D
Mark Pierce, NCDOT
• Mark opened the meeting with discussion of NC 58 to New Bern Bypass
(Segment D)
• Dave Wilver discussed 4D alignment.
• Length 8.5 miles designed for 70 mph 4-lane divided facility. Interchange at NC 58
and New Bern Bypass.
• Dave gave overview of map features
• Segment 3 - Recent shift of alignment to east picked up additional wetland impact 0.8
acres. This eliminated one relocation (farm was saved).
• Slight impact on Bell community and Hatchville with the interchange.
• At Goshen Road alignment was shifted as far west as possible to avoid cemetery and
miss a neighborhood
WilburSmith
US 17 Coneurtence Points 3R and 4A Meeting Minutes
August 11, 2009
Page 3
• After crossing Trent River moved alignment adjacent to power easement, swinging
alignment northwest, to avoid wetland impacts. Tried to parallel the easement until
tied into New Bern Bypass.
• Question: How are the community boundaries identified? Wilver answered: A
community impact assessment was done and through community discussions.
Alignments were made as tight as possible to avoid community impacts.
• USEPA requested explanation of wetland change for alignment shift. Answer: 0.8
acres of change. Service road alignment change saved an additional 4 acres. DWQ
rating on the 0.8 acres is 35.
• Chris Militscher, USEPA noted that avoidance and minimization is being looked at
for the whole project.
• Mark explained there has been a long on-going dialog with Goshen Community and
the Town of Pollocksville. He noted that they are happy with this alignment as part
was actually dictated by the Goshen Community.
• Two power lines across Foscue Plantation. Mr. Fescue agreed to accept any
alignment west of US 17. He has agreed to this alignment since that portion of his
property is not part of the working plantation.
• Question about water clearance over Trent River bridges. Well above 15' minimum.
• Mark explained that when the project was originally setup it was Belgrade to
Chadwick and Chadwick to New Bem but that does not line up exactly with the
section breaks. Mark Pierce requested that it be noted that the entire Segment 4 was
discussed... not just Section D.
• Question: Where exactly does Section C start? Mark answered: Between north
portion of Maysville and Chadwick.
• Chris Militscher, USEPA recommended that an equalizer pipe be used on Wetland
201. NCDOT agreed.
• Wetland 225 and Wetland 226 were also discussed for the possibility of an equalizer
pipe. Look at these to investigate for the possibility of a pipe.
• In water work moratorium for Trent River Feb 15 to June 15
The team reached concurrence on avoidance and minimization measures presented during
this meeting. A copy is attached for your reference. .
List for minimization items for the concurrence form:
• Jurisdictional impacts for Section D have been avoided and minimized to the
maximum extent practical based on preliminary design plans presented during the
4/16/09 CP4A meeting.
• Only Section D reviewed (South of NC 58 to New Bern)
• Utilizing horizontal alignment shifts,
• Vertical adjustments
• 46' median widths
• Perpendicular stream crossing
• Bridging Goshen Branch of the Trent River
• Using 3:1 slopes in wetlands
• Equalizer pipes between bisected wetland features
VVi lbur5mith
US 17 Concurrence Points 3R and 4A Meeting Minutes
August 11, 2009
Page 4
Following existing power transmission easement for the northern portion of the
project
Chris Militscher, USEPA would like to hear the cost for Maysville and Belgrade Section
at the next meeting.
ATTENDANCE RECORD
Name Agency Telephone
Omar Azizi NCDOT Structure Design 919-250-4066
Karen Compton USFS 828-257-4230
Travis Wilson NCWRC 919-715-1620
Gary Jordan USFWS 919-856-4520 x 32
John Lansford NCDOT-Roadway Design 919-250-4016
James Speer Roadway Design 919-250-4016
Lance Fontaine NCDOT NEU 919-413-6667
Neil Lassiter NCDOT - Division 2 919-733-2293
Chris Riverbark PDEA-NEU 919-715-1460
Brad Chilton NCDOT NEU 252-830-3490
Chris Militscher USEPA-Raleigh 919-856-4206
William Wescott USACE 252-975-1616 x 31
David Wainwright NCDENR-Division of Water Quality 919-715-3415
Brian Yamamoto NCDOT - Project Development 919-733-7844 x 265
Steve Sollod NCDENR - Div. Coastal Man. 919-733-2293 x 230
Jerry Snead NCDOT Hydraulics 919-250-4100
Robert Will Down East RPO 252-638-3185
Dewa ne Sykes NCDOT-Roadway Design 919-250-4016
Ben Crawford Wilbur Smith Associates 919-753-4203
David Wilver Wilbur Smith Associates 919-755-0583
Wes Stafford Wilbur Smith Associates 919-573-4196
Paul Mohler NCDOT -PDEA - HEU 919-715-1555
Mark Stale NCDOT Roadside Environmental 919431-1588
Renee Gledhill-Earle SHPO - DCR 919-807-6579
Greg Thorpe NCDOT-PDEA 919-733-3141
Elizabeth Lusk NCDOT - PDEA NEU 919-431-6760
Tim Co ins NCDOT - SDU 919-250-4068
Ed Eatmon NCDOT - DIV 2 252-830-3490
Mark Pierce NCDOT - Pro ect Development 919-733-7844 x214
WilburSmith
... a C 111 l L Y
US 17
SECTION 4041NEPA MERGER PROCESS CONCURRENCE AGREEMENT
CONCURRENCE POINT 3: CORRIDOR SELECTION
BELGRADE TO NORTH OF MAYSVILLE (SECTION B)
US 17, NCDOT Divisions 2 & 3, Onslow & Jones Counties
TIP Project No. R-2514ECD
r
TIP Description : T1tc North Carolina Department of Transportation proposes a combination
of widening, bypasses of Belgrade, Maysville; and Pollocksville on new location, and other
improvements to the existing US 17 roadway from multilanes north of Jacksonville (R-2514A)
to.multilanes south of New Bern (R-2301, the New Bem Bypass) to create a four-lane divided
facility.
Corridor Selection : Alternate 2C
The Merger Process Team met on April 16, 2009 and concurs with Alternate 2C for the
proposed improvements to US 17 from Belgrade to north of Maysville including the
Maysville Bypass.
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US 17
SK'nON 404/NEPA MERGER PROCESS CONCURRENCE AGREEMENT
CONCURRENCE `I'01NT' qA : AV016ANCE & .MINIIVITZATION .
SOUT11. OF NC SS TO NEW BERN i ( SECTION , D) _
US'17; `lYCDOT Divisions 2 `S 3; `Orislov? 8c Jones Counties
. .:..311 Project No R2514BCD .,,
'I'll' Description : The North Carolina Department of Transportation proposes a combination
of widening, bypasses of Belgrade, Maysville, and Pollocksville.on,new location, and other
ftnPlovememts to the existing US 17 roadway from.multilancs north o0acksonville (R-2514A)
to =lfalanes south of New Bcm (R-2301, the New Bern Bypass) to, create a four-lino divided
facility,
A.voidancc & Minimization : The jurisdictional impacts for Section D have been avoided and
mitwnized to the maximum extent practicable based on preliminary design plans presented
during the April 16, 2009 CP4A Concurrence Meeting by utilizing horizontal alignment shifts,
vertical adjmbnents, a 46-foot median width, perpendicular stream crossings, bridging Goshen
13r:mcil Wad the Trent River,.using 3-to-1 slopes in wetlands, using equfllizer pipes between
bisected wetland features, and paralleling the existing power transmis§ion easement in the
northem portion of the project.
The Merger Process Team met on Aptil 16, 2009 and concurs with the avoidance and
miiiimization mcasares:Sor the proposed improvements to Section D of this project.
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WilburSmith
MEETING MINUTES FROM CONCURRENCE POINT 4A
US 17 SECTION B FROM BELGRADE TO THE NORTHERN SECTION OF
MAYSVILLE, CONDUCTED ON SEPTEMBER 17, 2009
DATE: September 20, 2009
TO: All Attendees
ATTENDEES: See Attached
FROM: Wes Stafford, PE, AICP - Wilbur Smith Associates
SUBJECT: US 17 Improvements from SR 1330/SR 1429 south of Belgrade to the
Jones /Craven County line south of New Bern
Onslow and Jones Counties, North Carolina
TIP No. R-2514 B, C & D, WBS No. 34442, (WSA Project No. 297420)
Mark Pierce, NCDOT
• meeting called to order at 3:10
• The following members of the merger process team were not in attendance.
o Gary Jordan (USFWS)
o Tom Steffens (USACE)
o William Wescott (USACE)
o Renee Gledhill-Earley (SHPO)
o Trish Murphey (NCDMF)
o Robert Will (RPO)
• Karen Compton is attending the conference via telephone
• Introductions are made around the room
• Last meeting was held on April 16, 2009 to discuss corridor selection for the
Maysville Bypass.
• The purpose of current meeting is to discuss avoidance minimization for the above
mentioned section (Section B from Belgrade to the Northern Section of Maysville)
• Section C (Alt 3) will not be covered. Mark noted that in the April 16, 2009 meeting
we covered Section D. Section C is the widening between Maysville and
Pollocksville including the wildlife underpass. That issue is still under study. NCDOT
in not ready to make a response to the Forest Service on their April 15, 2009 letter
requesting a wildlife underpass for mitigation of project impacts to the Black Bear
population.
421 Fayetteville Street Mall, Suite 1303 Raleigh, North Carolina 27601
919.755.0583 f 919.832.8798 vv w.WilburSmith.com
US 17 Concurrence Points 4A Meeting Minutes
September 20, 2009
Page 2
MERGER STATUS & ONGOING ISSUES
Byrd Landfill Site Violation
• Update by Scott McLendon. EPA Region 4 Enforcement met with Mr. Bryd. He will
be sent a letter to determine why he made changes to the property. Ultimate
disposition is unknown but depending on when right-of-way is purchased, it could
have a big impact on this violation. Mark pointed out that less than I% of the
violation area is involved with Alt 2C.
• Scott added that the citizens feel they. weren't sufficiently involved in the change of
the thinking on the corridors.
Rob Hanson informed the group that the latest right-of-way schedule they have is
dated mid 2012
Mark commented that for Alt 2C, a reasonable estimate as to the span of public
involvement would be 10 years +. Since August 2005 there have been primarily small
group meetings, one-on-one meetings, community meetings (2006 - 2007). Worked
on Pollocksville Bypass first then spent over 2 years on the Maysville Bypass. The
debate on this particular section accounts for part of the time lapse. Information on
the Pollocksville Bypass went out to all citizens who requested it and Mark has stayed
in touch with several citizens on this section with phone calls every few
weeks/months. On-going public involvement has been sustained.
Mark explained that sending out a corridor selection announcement for part of the
project was debated. It wasn't until April of 2009 that a formal announcement on the
preferred alternative could be completed based on the decision.
The newsletter went out in July of 2009 and as anticipated, many calls, letters &
emails have been received from citizens concerning Alt 2C. Also, a petition against it
is said to be in circulation and a local community meeting is being organized. All
agencies including NCDOT will be invited. No formal invitation has been received so
far.
Mark informed that most comments coming in are concerning the following
properties in Belgrade just north of White Oak River Road on existing US 17: a
volunteer fire department; salvage company; auto parts store; wrecker service;
cemetery w/ 50 graves (west side); a fertilizer company; a consignment store; and a
convenience store (east side). Approximately 8 to 10 businesses and some homes
located behind businesses will be impacted. We also received comments from the
Banks Family (owner of the pond near bridge).
Most recently, where west side of Maysville is being bypassed, close to the grade
separation and near the elementary school there are 2 or 3 new houses. Family says
they were unaware of the project. Mark Pierce and Wes Stafford researched and
confirmed that the previous property owner was included in prior mailings.
Team is invited to travel to meet with these families. Mark will keep the team posted
on details. The project development process has been discussed with most of these
people, but their primary concern is that their community not be impacted.
WilburSmith
n c t 9 C l l I . .
US 17 Concurrence Points 4A Meeting Minutes
September 20, 2009
Page 3
ONGOING ISSUES
• Section 3 will not be discussed. Study updates in response to the April 15, 2009 letter
from the Forest Service have just been completed. Mark received the last piece of
information on this but it must be presented to and reviewed by senior management.
Upon approval, response will be sent and then a meeting will be scheduled for CP4A
Section C, Alt 3. Approximate time frame was requested. Mark guessed in the next
week or so.
• Issue for Tom Steffens, relates to Section 106 Oversight by the Corp of Engineers.
Mary Pope Furr prepared packet 2.5 years ago. Mary spoke with Scott briefly about
this. In Feb 2007 she tried to catch the USACE up as to what Section 106 has been
done with the project since they are the lead federal agency. Need to sit down with
the new representative, go over what has been done, step by step, and see if they
concur and discuss the effects calls. Mary will call Tom and arrange a discussion.
Mark instructed that William Wescott project files be transferred to Tom. With
LEDPA this is a good time for this meeting.
Environmental Studies
• State Final EIS is currently being updated by WSA. PET Species report has been
through in-house review. Comments have been received and ESI has responded.
Mark will convey to Lance Fontaine.
• Paul Mohler gave update on Archaeological Survey. Field work will be finished this
week. Testing and GPS updates will be done on the Section near White Oak. They are
also working in Section D and are very close to completion. Upon completion a
report will be generated by ESI. After 1 month review time, ESI will then produce
final for SHPO. Final report date to be determined.
• Wes Stafford gave an update on ESI response forms. Wes spoke with Matt Smith
(ESI) on this approximately 2 weeks ago and they were in the process of filing them.
Next step will be a meeting with William Wescott. Mark offered to meet with Tom to
bring him up to speed on the meeting.
• State Final EIS studies are underway, some in-house and some consultant studies.
Wes reports:
o Traffic and Noise - had to do an update of traffic studies on this capacity
analysis. Wes is doing a final review of draft report then it will be
submitted to Mark Pierce.
o Noise Analysis - Once the final traffic numbers are agreed upon, WSA
will complete the noise analysis.
o Also need to do Hazardous Materials. Wes does not think any
underground tanks have changed. Will verify.
• ICE/CIA on project is dated 2004. Steve Gurganus said they are comfortable with its
findings however do plan to discuss with WSA a memo update to confirm that
conditions sited are still valid.
• Question by Pierce: Since corridor selection has been determined on Section B Alt 2C
do we recommend more discussion about the impacts to Belgrade? Response (?): CIA
WilburSmith
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( .. 0
US 17 Concurrence Points 4A Meeting Minutes
September 20, 2009
Page 4
should include a memo update to Belgrade that captures current community
opposition to project. The original CIA was done in 2002. There was opposition
stressed at that time by local businesses. We know from the December field trip,
some of those have gone dark and some new ones have opened, mostly local. ICE did
focus on the US 17 - NC 58 intersection, and the White Oak River Road Area. Want
to try to quantify the changes they may develop because of increased focus on that
area.
Wes commented that both documents were prepared prior to the Strategic Highway
Corridor data.
Mark informed team that it was September 2, 2004 when US 17 was placed on the
Strategic Highway system. Changes were dealt with at the time but as far as design
and concept of the facility, the impact was tremendous. Service roads are the biggest
difference the public has not seen, other than in the recent newsletter.
The team requested that environmental justice relative to the new corridor be
addressed.
Avoidance & Minimization - Dave Wilver
• Introduced measures
o Alignment shifts to minimize impacts
0 3:1 slopes
o Avoiding ditching wetlands
o Perpendicular alignment at streams
• Bulb out was relocated (shifted south) at wetland which saved 0.10 acre
• Service road was realigned with the bulb out
• At White Oak River Road, added service roads with no jurisdictional impacts. Only
resurfacing at historic properties on Belgrade Swansboro Road.
• Alignment shifted to the west past White Oak River Road to utilize existing US 17 as
service road thus avoiding impacts to White Oak River and the relocations of about 7
houses. 0.67 increase in pond impacts and 1.5 acres of additional wetland impacts.
• At White Oak River Road service road shifted to the west resulting in 300' reduction
of stream impacts.
• At intersection with US 17 bulb was relocated reducing impacts by 0.1 acres.
• Dave opened the floor to questions and comments.
• USEPA commented that service roads have been designed to stay out of jurisdictional
areas. Mark Pierce replied that we did do that.
• Team asked to sign concurrence forms
• Mark read from to team with list of avoidance and minimization. US EPA
recommended that service roads were designed to avoid and minimize impacts. Mark
revised forms with this change.
The team reached concurrence on avoidance and minimization measures presented during
this meeting and signed the agreement. A copy is attached for your reference
WilburSmith
US 17 Concurrence Points 4A Meeting Minutes
September 20, 2009
Page 5
ATTENDANCE RECORD
Name Agency Telephone
Karen Compton via telecon USFS 828-257-4230
Travis Wilson NCWRC 919-715-1620
James Speer Roadway Design 919-250-4016
Lance Fontaine NCDOT NEU 919-413-6667
Neil Lassiter NCDOT - Division 2 919-733-2293
Chris Riverbark PDEA-NEU 919-715-1460
Brad Chilton NCDOT NEU 252-830-3490
Chris Militscher USEPA - Raleigh 919-856-4206
David Wainwright NCDENR - Division of Water Quality 919-715-3415
Brian Yamamoto NCDOT - Project Development 919-733-7844 x 265
Steve Sollod NCDENR - Div. Coastal Man. 919-733-2293 x 230
Jerry Snead NCDOT Hydraulics 919-2504100
David Wilver Wilbur Smith Associates 919-755-0583
Wes Stafford Wilbur Smith Associates 919-573-4196
Paul Mohler NCDOT - PDEA - HEU 919-715-1555
Ed Eatmon NCDOT - DIV 2 252-830-3490
Mark Pierce NCDOT - Project Development 919-733-7844 x214
KJ Kim NCDOT - Geotechnical 919-662-3576
Ma Pope Furr NCDOT-PDEA 919-431-1616
Kathy Matthews EPA 919-541-3062
Rosemary Hall EPA 404-562-9846
Am Simes DENR 919-715-4151
Chris Manley NCDOT/NEU 919-431-6746
Thomas Stoddard NCDOT/TIP 919-733-2039
Allen Poe NCDOT Div 3 910-251-5724
Steve Gur anus NCDOT HEU 919-431-2032
Scott McLendon USACE 910-251-4952
Ron Secher NOAA-Fisheries
Rob Hanson NCDOT Project Development 919-733-7844 x 226
WilburSmlth
US 17
SECTION 404 / NEPA MERGER PROCESS CONCURRENCE AGREEMENT
CONCURRENCE POINT 4A: AVOIDANCE & MINIMIZATION
BELGRADE TO MAYSVILLE (SECTION B)
US 17, NCDOT Divisions 2 & 3, Onslow & Jones Counties
TIP Project No. R-2514BCD
TIP Description : The North Carolina Department of Transportation proposes a combination
of widening, bypasses of Maysville and Pollocksville on new location, and other improvements
to the existing US 17 roadway from multilanes north of Jacksonville (R-2514A) to multilanes
south of New Bern (R-2301, the New Bem Bypass) to create a four-lane divided facility.
Avoidance & Minimization : The jurisdictional impacts for Section B have been avoided and
minimized to the maximum extent practicable based on preliminary design plans presented
during the September 17, 2009 CP4A Concurrence Meeting by utilizing horizontal alignment
shifts, vertical adjustments, a 46-foot median width, perpendicular stream crossings, using 3-to-1
slopes in wetlands, locating service roads and turnarounds in non-jurisdictional areas, utilization
of existing US 17 as a service road, elimination of proposed interchanges at the northern and
southern termini, and bridging the White Oak River.
The Merger Process Team met on September 17, 2009 and concurs with the avoidance and
thxproposed improvements to Section B of this project.
USACE
USEPAC?n 117
Christopher Militschei; REM, CHMM Date
NOAA
Ron Sechler /Date/
NCWRC???/i?? ' 9-17-09_
Travis Wilson Date
USFWS 9 q
ryordan Date
U S F S ?Y /Z-7-A;1C? `)Iyi 1 Uh
Karen Compton Date
NCDWQ y
07
David Wainwright to
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Steve Sollod Date
NCDMF 13f+ -: ??Yzz ??z./ l y `I NCDCR aY 7 ?7C 91$10 z`l
Trish Murphey Date Renee Gledhill-Earley Date
NCDOT ? '/.?v 9/r//oy
Mark Pierce, P.E. Date
C